Whether your dirt bike is new or used, it might not be ready for the trail when you first roll it into your garage. We’ve got some tips and suggestions for you to get your bike prepped for the mountains, desert, or woods. This is a fairly comprehensive guide, so it’s not necessary to check off everything on the list.

Find all of our favorite parts, protection, tires, gear, etc. here: DBC's Picks at RMATV/MC

Without further ado:

Setup:

• Check and set all Clickers to standard configuration
• Check for loose bolts - all the way around
• Check for leaks in any gaskets
• Rotate Top Tube of left air fork around so that it’s easier to get to the air chuck (KTM)
• Torque fork triple clamp bolts
• Check fork alignment/front wheel bind
• Set Riding Sag
• Install TUbliss front and rear (if desired)
• Change to HD tubes or Bibs
• Change Tires (something you know and trust for a good baseline of the bikes performance)
• Check Chain tension and rear axle alignment
• Check Head bearing tension
• Check for loose spokes
• Install hand guards - full wrap or flag style (if needed)
• Move levers inward (keeps from breaking them)
• Teflon Tape under levers (allows them to spin without breaking)
• Re-jet carb (if needed)
• Install Air Screw on TPI bikes
• Set idle
• Check Throttle Free Play
• Check rear Brake Position and Free play (spec is 3-5mm)
• Consider solid handlebar mounts vs rubber
• Check wheel bearing/hub grease
• Consider dielectric grease  on important connections
• Silicone holes and connections where water/mud collect and corrode
• Install Hour Meter
• Run in Brakes or clean them to make them work properly (burn off oils)
• Move handlebar position (usually forward, but rider dependent)
• Take Steering stops out (tighter turning for technical riding -  Graham Jarvis Tip)
• Check oil levels
• Check coolant level/replace with Engine ice
• More oil on air filter (if needed)
• Install bar pad (if needed)
• Check linkage grease
• Install Spark Arrestor
• Aux Power Valve adjustment - if needed
• Install Black or Gray throttle cam depending on needs (gray is more mellow) (KTM)
• Remove Tail light assembly so it doesn’t break the fender on first wheelie  (KTM XC-W)
• Install Anti-gravity battery (if needed)
• Install oversize rear Brake Tip (if wanted)
• Install Grab Strap (if possible)
• Install Fuel sock filter (if possible)
• Install inline fuel filter (if possible)
• Possibly install a back up electric start switch
• Install Capacitor for Bump Starting On Dead Battery on KTM XC-W Models

Protection:

• Install Skid Plate
• Install rear brake disc guard
• Install chain guide/swing arm tab guards if possible
• Install Bar Ends (When not using full wrap hand guards)
• Install Swing arm covers (if needed)
• Install Fork Tube Covers (if needed)
• Install Radiator Guards (if needed)
• Install Radiator Fan (if needed)
• Install Fork Shoes
• Install clutch/ignition cover protection (if needed)
• Install front brake rotor guard (if needed)
• Install pipe guard - If you are into that 🙂
• Install Radiator hose protection to keep from getting pinched - KTM (hard plastic and zip ties)
• Replace Plastic Fuel coupler/tap with Aluminum (KTM)
• Install TPS Guard (KTM TPI Bikes)